Fluid pressure brake



July 27, 1937.

*F. P. LIVINGSTON FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE m Ms 2 DI m M.

ATTORNEY.

July 27, 1937. F. P. LIVWGSTQN 2,088,066

FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE Filed Sept. 10, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I26 I116 M15 I99 \97 I98 I79 80 I99 2 INVENTOR. FREMONT F. LIVINGSTON."

ATTORNEY.

out the train,

Patented July 27, 1937 PATENT OFFICE I 2,088,066 FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE Fremont P. Livingston,

-' to The Westinghouse Air Brake Company,

Denver, 0010., assignor Wilmerding, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 10, 1936,

I 16 Claims.

This invention relates to fluid pressure brakes, and more particularly to the type operative upon areduction in the pressure of fluid ina brake pipe to effect an application of the brakes.

In order to ensure adequate and safe control of the brakes on a long train operated under present day service conditions, it is desirable that the braking means be'designed to effect the application of the brakesrapidl'y and uniformly throughand that the braking means. be at all times capable of efiecting an emergency application of the brakes upon a predetermined reduction in brake pipe pressure to a given degree, regardless of prior service applications or -"of the rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure.

In controlling the brakes on along train made up of cars equipped with the old standard K triple valves, it is apt to be difficult to eiTect a sufiiciently rapid service application of the brakes throughout the train, due in part to the fact that the quick service venting of fluid from the brake pipe by the K triplevalves on a long train is sometimes inadequate to ensure rapid propagation of the servicereduction in brake pipe pressure to the rear of the train; 7

One object of my invention is to provide means 7 adapted to be associated with a triple valve device of the K type to obviate the above difficulty.

Another object of the invention is to provide an emergency valve means adapted for association with a K triple valve, and which emergency valve means is always operative upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to an emergency degree to effect an emergency'application oithe brakes, regardless of previous service applications.

7 Another object of my invention is to provide an emergency valve device adaptedfor association with a triple valve, which emergency valve de- 4 vice is operative independently of the triple valve to supply fiuid'under'pressure from an emergency reservoir to the brake cylinder only when the pressure of fluid in the brake pipe is reduced to a predetermined degree, and which device is at the same time operative to vent fluid under pressure locally from the brakepipe for propagating serial quick action throughout the train.

A further object of the invention-is to provide an emergency valve device of the above type embodying improved means for controlling the charging of the emergency reservoir.

A still further object is 'to providean emergency valve device having release, quick service, and emergency positions, with means for stabilizing operation of said device in the quick service Serial No. 100,079

position and for facilitating movement to the release position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent in the following more detailed description thereof, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 3

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view, mainly in section, of a fluid pressure brake equipment embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modification of the equipment shown in Fig. l; and Fig.3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a fluid pressure brake equipment embodying a modified form of my invention. I

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there is provided a triple valve device I, a brake pipe 2, an auxiliary reservoir 3, a brake cylinder 4, an emergency valve device 5 an emergency brake. cylinder 6, and a chambered reservoir unit 1. The emergency brake cylinder .6 is adapted to be operated in addition to the brake cylinder 4 in effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

The triple valve device I, illustrated in Fig. 1, is of the well known K type, and comprises a casing section 9 having a chamber H connected to the brake'pipe 2, and a casing section ing a bore within which is slidably mounted a piston 12, forming at one side a piston chamber l3, and at the other side a valve chamber M which contains a main slide valve l5 and a graduating slide valve l6, both slide valves being controlled by the piston through the medium of a valve stem. H. A cap l9 having screw-threaded connection with the casing section i0 is provided for closing the outer end of the valve chamber M,which is connected through a passage 26 in the cap and a pipe 2| with the auxiliary reservoir 3.

The usual check valve 22 is mounted in a bore in the casing section Sand urged toward its seat by a spring 23 for controlling communication between the chamber II and a chamber 2Q above the check valve, the chamber 24 being connected to a passage 26 leading to the seat of the main slide valve. l5. Formed in the casing section H1 isv a chamber '28 connected by way of a passage and pipe. 29to the brake cylinder 4, and separated from a chamber 3| by an emergency piston 32, which piston may have a loose lit in its bore or have a small passage 33 for providing restricted communication between the chambers 28 and 3|.

' Although, for the purpose of illustration, the

l0 hav- Secured by bolts (not shown) to the flange 31 formed on the triple valve casing Ill is a cas,

ing section 38, which has a chamber 39 communicating through a passage 40 with the chamber H and which is open to the piston chamber IS in the triple valve device by way of an aperture 4! formed in the casing section 38. A suit-' able gasket 42 is interposed between the casing section 38 and the triple valve flange 3'! for ensuring a tight joint. The casing section 38 is provided with a flange 43 adapted to carry the casing of the emergency valve device which may be secured thereto by means of bolts (not shown), a sealing gasket 44 being provided between said casing sections.

In order to prevent movement of the triple valve piston I2 to the usual emergency position, there is provided a stem 45 enga-geable by the piston after movement thereof to the service position. One end of the stem 45 is mounted in a bore in the casing section 38 and is normally slightly spaced from the wall of a depression 46' formed in the emergency valve casing, and the other end of the stem extends through a perforate web 4! formed across the aperture H and is aligned with the central boss |2a of the triple valve piston. A spring 48 is interposed between the wall of chamber 39 and a collar 49 of the stem 45 for providing the desired resistance to movement of the triple valve piston I2 into the full service position.

The emergency valve device 5 comprises a casing 5! having a bore in which is mounted an emergency piston 52 which has at one side a'piston chamber 53 open by way of an aperture 54 to the chamber 39 of the casing section 38, and which piston forms at the opposite side a valve chamber 56. The emergency piston has a stem 5'! extending into the valve chamber, 56, on which stem are formed offset shoulders 58 and 59, the shoulder 59 engaging one end of a slide valve '60 in release position of the piston 52 and the shoulder 58 being adapted to engage the opposite end of the valve upon a predetermined movement of the stem 51 relative to the valve 60. Seated on the slide valve 50 is an. auxiliary slide valve 6|, the ends of which engage both shoulders, so that said valve fil -"always moves with the stem.

Formed within the emergency slide valve 60 is a valve chamber 53 communicating by way of a passage 34 with the chamber 56 and connected to a port 65 which leads to the seat of the emergency slide valve. The port 65 is in one position of the slide valve 60' adapted to register with a passage 86 connected by way of a pipe 87 with the emergency reservoir 7'6, and a ball check valve 6? is disposed in the valve chamber 2'53 for preventing back flow of fluid under pressure from the reservoir to the chamber 56. A plug 63 has screw threaded connection with the slide valve 6!! for closing the valve chamber 53, and the auxiliary slide valve 6! has a suitable recess 69 for clearing the head of the plug.

Yielding stop means is provided for movement of the emergency piston 52 resisting from the service position thereof to the emergency position, the stop means comprising a plunger slidably mounted in a cage II that is mounted within the casing section 38 and is secured in place by means of screws 72. The plunger 'HJ is aligned for engagement by the piston 52, and is subject to the force of a spring 13 interposed between a nut 14 screwed on said plunger and the end of the cage 1|, the plunger head limiting the extent of movement of the plunger as effected by the spring.

The reservoir unit I is divided into compartments comprising an emergency reservoir 16, a stabilizing bulb ll, and a quick service chamber 18, the functions of which will be apparent from the following description of the operation of the fluid pressure brake equipment.

In initially charging the fluid pressure brake system, fluid under pressure is supplied in the usual manner through the brake pipe 2 to the chamber H of the triple valve device I, and flows thence through the passage 40, chamber 39 and aperture 4| to the triple valve piston chamber l3, and also flows from the chamber 39 through the aperture 54 tothe emergency piston chamber 53. At the same time fluid under pressure in the chamber I! unseats and flows past the check valve 22 to charge the chamber 24.

Fluid under pressure thus supplied to the piston chamber l3 moves the piston l2 to the release position shown in Fig. 1 and flows past the piston by way of the usual feed groove 80 to the valve chamber l4 and thence through the passage and pipe 2| to the auxiliary reservoir 3, charging said reservoir. With the triple valve parts in the release position, a cavity 8| in the main slide valve l5 connects a passage 82 communicating with the brake cylinder passage 29 to an exhaust port 83, so that the brake cylinder i is vented to the atmosphere.

Fluid under pressure in the chamber 53 of the emergency valve device 5 causes movement of the emergency piston 52 to shift the slide valves BI and 60 to the release position as shown in the drawings and then flows past said piston by way of a feed groove 85 to the valve chamber 56. With the emergency slide valve in release position the port '65 therein registers with a passage 86 which is connected through a pipe 8'! with the emergency reservoir 16, so that fluid under pressure is supplied irom the valve chamber 55 through the passage'M, past the ball check valve 67, and through valve chamber 63, port 65, passage 86 and pipe 81 to charge the emergency reservoir.

The emergency brake cylinder 6 is connected in the release position of the emergency valve de vice by way of a pipe and passage 88 and a cavity 89 in the emergency slide valve 60 with an atmospheric exhaust port 90. Similarly, the quick service chamber 18 is connected to atmosphere by way of a pipe and passage 92, a port 93 in the emergency slide valve, a cavity 94 in the auxiliary slide valve, a port 95 in said emergency slide valve and an exhaust port 96, while the stabilizing bulb 71 is vented through a pipe and passage 93, an emergency slide valve port 99, a cavity we in the auxiliary slide valve, and a port It! regis-' tering with an atmospheric exhaust port. Hi2.

If it is desired to effect a service application of the brakes, fluid under pressure is vented at a service rate from the brake pipe 2 in the customary manner through the medium of the usual engineers brake valve (not shown), thereby causing the venting of fluid under pressure from the chamber 39 and the connected emergency piston by Way of the chamber 53 and triple valve piston chamber 13,

passage and chamber ll communicating with the brake pipe. Upon the reduction in the pressure of fluid in the chamber 53 of the emergencyvalve device 5, the fluid under pressure in the valve'chamber 53 moves the emergency piston 52 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, thereby causing said piston to close the feed groove 85 and to move the stem for shifting the auxiliary slidevalve iii in the same direction relative tothe emergency slide valve 66.

As theauxiliary slide valve 6! is thus moved into the quick service position, the connection beservice position, the connection between the cavtween the bulb ET and atmosphere'is cut off, While a restricted 'port I63 in said slide valve registers with the port 99 in the emergency'slide valve 6%, whereupon fluid under pressure is quickly vented from the valve chamber 56 through the port 1163, port 99, and passage and pipe 98 to the stabilizing bulb ll. The ball check valve 61 is, of course, effective to prevent escape of fluid under pressure from the'emergency reservoir 16 by back flow through the port 55 andpassage 64 in the slide valve to to the chamber 55.

The quick reduction of the'fluid pressure in the valve chamber 56 thus caused by equalization of the fluid pressure in said chamber into the bulb ll tends to check further movement of the emergency piston 52, which at substantially the sazne'tiine is adapted to engage the plunger 10, so that the spring 13 is then effective to resist movement of said piston from the quick service position.

With the emergency valve: device in thequick ity as in the auxiliary slide valve BI and the at mosphere is lapped and'said cavity is now arranged to establish communication between the passage t3 and a passage -lil5in the emergency slide valve iii}, Which passage )5 registers with a brake pipe passage Hi6 connected to the chamber 39 in the casing section 38. Fluid under pressure is thereby vented at a quick service rate from the brake pipe 2 by Way of the chamber I l, passage ii], chamber 39, passage I06, port Hi5, cavity 93, port 93 and the passage and pipe 92 to the quick service chamber 18 thereby effecting a limited local quick service reduction in brake pipe pressure.

Meanwhile, upon the reduction in the pressure of fluid in the brake pipe as already described, the consequent reduction in thefluid pressure in the triple valve piston chamber l3 causes the fluid pressure in the valve chamber i l to move the piston l2 to the left, as viewed in the. drawings, thereby closing the feed groove 8i! and shifting the graduating slide valve lt relative to the main slide valve through ,the medium of the stem. ll. This movement of the graduating slide valve it causes a cavity 98 therein to connect ports ltd and Hit in the main slide valve iii, and also uncovers. a service port i l liin the main. slide valve. v 7 Continued movement-of the piston it brings a collar 5 E3 on the stem l'l into engagement with the main slid-e valve it, so that both slide valves are then moved together into the service position thereof, in which theservice port ,I ll partially registers with the brake cylinder passage 32, while the ports lilfi'and H9 register respectively with the passage. 26 and a. passage HA con nected to the chamber 35. Fluid under pressure is thereby permitted to flow at an initially slow rate from the auxiliary reservoir'3 through the of the auxiliary pi'pez 2l, passage :20, valve chamber M,jpo-rtl H in themain slide valve 15, passage 82 and passage. and pipe 29 to the brake cylinder 4.

. At the same time, fluid under pressure is discharged fromthe chamber 24 by way of the connectedpassages and slide valve ports 26, E89, H38, H13, and lid, and through the chamber 3!, restricted port 33 in the piston 32 and chamber 2?. tothe brake cylinder passage 29, the rate of flow through said communications being such as to prevent the fluid pressure in the chamber 3| from moving the piston 32. The consequent reduction in the fluid pressure in the chamber 24 then permits fluid, at brake pipe pressure in chamber H to unseat the check valve 22, whereupon w pipe 2 through the chamber ll, past the check valve and through the. quick service communications above mentioned to thebrake cylinder.-

:The local reduction in brake pipe pressure thus effected by quick service operation of the triple valve device I acts to augment the initial quick service reduction effected by the emergency valve device 5, it being understood that the movementslide valve iii to its service posi' tion will generally be accomplished before movement of the triple valve slide valves l6, and 55 to quick service position due to the comparatively light frictional resistance offered by the valve 6i. If the rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure is sufliciently rapid, as on cars near the head end of the train, the triple valve iston i2 is moved into full service, overcoming the spring 28. In the full-service position of the triple valve device the service port ill, isiully open to the brake cylinder passage 82, so that fluid under pressure will continue to flow at a more rapid rate from the. auxiliary reservoir 3 by way of the valve chamber i l to the brake cylinder 4 for effecting the service application of the brakes. The main slide valve i ii, its traverse from quick service to full service position, is operative to lap the passage 25, thereby preventing further quick service venting of fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to the brake cylinder.

As the fluid pressure inthe auxiliary reservoir 3 is reduced, by flow of fluid therefrom to the brake cylinder 4, to a pressure slightly less than that of fluid in the piston chamber E3, the piston lz is moved toward the right hand so as to shift the graduating slide valve id relative to the main slide valve l5 into service lap position, wherein the graduating slide valve laps the service port it i l, thus cutting off further supply of fluid under pressure from the auxiliary reservoir to the brake cylinder l.

To release the brakes following the service application just described, fluid under pressure is supplied in the usual manner to the brake pipe 2 and thence by Way of the chamber ll, passage 46- and chamber 39 to the emergency piston chamber 53 and the triple valve piston chamber I3.

The fluid pressure in the valve chamber 55 having been reduced by equalization with that in thebulb ll, upon the increase in the pressure of fluid in the piston chamber 53, the emergency piston 85 and the auxiliary slide valve iii are readily moved from the service position to the release position, as shown in Fig. l of the drawings, whereby the quick service chamber l8 and the bulb ll are again connected to the atmosphere in the manner already described.

vice I effects movement of the piston I2 to the right as viewed in the drawings, the stem [1 being thus operated to shift the slide valves '5 and 15 to the release position, wherein the brake cylinder 4 is again connected through the pipe and passage 29, passage 82 and cavity 3| to the atmospheric exhaust port 83, thereby effecting the release of the brakes.

If it is desired to effect an emergency application of the brakes, fluid under pressure is vented from the brake pipe 2 at an emergency rate, causing a resultant reduction of fluid pressure at the emergency rate in the piston chambers I3 and 53. The piston I2 is then moved by the fluid pressure in the valve chamber 6 to the full service position, further movement being prevented when the boss 52a on the piston engages the end of the stem 55. The triple valve device I is thus operated to effect the supply of fluid under pressure from the auxiliary reservoir 3 to the brake cylinder 4 substantially in the manner hereinbefore described.

Upon the reduction in fluid pressure at an emergency rate in the chamber 53 of the emergency valve device 5, the pressure of the fluid in the valve chamber 56 becomes effective to move the emergency piston 52 toward the right, as viewed in the drawings, the movement of the emergency piston now being quicker than the service movement thereof already described due to the greater diiferential in the opposing pressures acting on said piston.

In the initial movement of the emergency piston 52 toward emergency position, the piston through the medium of the stem 57 shifts the auxiliary slide valve ti relative to the emergency slide valve so as to cause the cavity IEO in the auxiliary slide valve to register With the port and establishes communication between a passage HS, which is connected to the cavity H15, and a port H7 in the emergency slide valve. As hereinbefore described in connection with the quick service operation of the invention, this initial movement of the auxiliary slide valve 65 also causes the port 955 therein to connect the ports 93 and 555 in the emergency slide valve E353, thereby momentarily establishing communication from the brake pipe 2 to the quick service chamber 13 for effecting an initial local venting of fluid under pressure from said brake pipe.

At the same time, the restricted passage H33 in the auxiliary slide valve is brought into registration with the port 99 in the emergency slide valve 65. It will be understood, however, that because of the continued rapid movement of the emergency piston 52 toward emergency position following the sudden reduction in brake pipe pressure at the emergency rate, said piston moves the stem til to cause engagement of the shoulder 58 thereof with the emergency slide valve. 68 and immediately shifts both slide valves to the right, compressing the spring 73, and thereby lapping the port 99 so that during this of fluid under pressure from the valve chamber 56 by way of the restricted port Hi3 and port 9 9 will not be appreciable.

The ports iii and 95 in the emergency slide valve, which are now connected by way of the cavity iiiii and passage H6 in the auxiliary slide valve, are so proportioned and arranged that, as the slide valves approach the emergency position, the port ill registers with a branch Nita of passage iGiS, while the port 95 registers with the passage 92, thereby effecting the further venting of fluid under pressure from the brake pipe 2 by way of the passage Hi6 communicating therewith, through the branch passage I06a, port H7, passage H6, cavity lilil, port 93 and passage and pipe 92 to the quick service chamber is. Final movement of the emergency piston 52 into emergency position in which the piston en- With the parts of the emergency valve device 5 in the emergency position, the cavity 89 in the emergency slide valve 65 is adapted to register with the passages 85 and 88, so as to effect the supply of fluid under pressure from the emergency reservoir 16 through the pipe 8?, passage 86, cavity 89, and passage and pipe 83 to the emergency brake cylinder 5, thereby effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

In addition, in the emergency position of the emergency slide valve 60, the passage 65 therein registers with the passage 98 in the casing for permitting fluid under pressure in the valve chamber 55 to flow through the passage 54, past the check valve 5? and through the chamber 63, passage 55 and passage and pipe 598 to the stabilizing bulb 71. The fluid pressure in the valve chamber 55 is thus partially reduced for facilitating subsequent release movement of the piston 52.

To effect the release of the brakes after an brake pipe is again charged with fluid under pressure, thereby causpipe 2 emergency brake cylinder 5, a full emergency application will be e-fiected in the manner hereinbefo-re described. Emergency brakes is thus always available with fluid pressure brake apparatus constructed according to the invention.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a modified form of the device shown in Fig. l, in which means is provided whereby the separate emergency brake cylinder may be dispensed with, and the usual brake cylinder adapted in'addition to the triple valve section I25, an emergency valve device I26, and a shown in Fig. 2, the

, When the slide valve unitary emergency reservoir valve device I by means :f'whichis also open by way to the piston chamber a stem l35, similar to ing section I25, and which has at the other side municates by way of a pipe I2I with a port I22 in theseat of the emergency slide valve 60 in the emergency valve device 5.

In the release position of the apparatus, as emergency slide valve 60 is positioned so as to lap the passage I22, while the brake cylinder is connected to the atmosphere by way of the usual passages and ports in the triple valve device I as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

60 is moved to the emergency position in the manner hereinbefore described, the cavity 891s adapted to connect the port I22 with the port 86, thereby permitting fluid under pressure to flow from the emergency res- I ervoirby way of the pipe 81, passage 86, cavity 89, passage I22 and pipe I2I to the chamber 28 in the triple valve casing 9, and thence through the passage 29 to the usual brake cylinder, which is at the same time supplied with fluidunder pressure from the usual auxiliary reservoir by operation of the triple valve device I in the well known manner. As a result of the equalization of the fluid pressures in both the auxiliary reservoir and emergency reservoirs and the brake cylinder, a relatively high braking force will be produced, effecting the desired emergency application of the brakes.

According to the modified form of my invention shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, there is provided, device I, a casing I21, release ensuring bulb E28 and quick service chamber I29.

The casing section I25 has a clamping face I3I adapted to be secured to the flange 31 of the triple of bolts (not shown), a gasket 42 being interposed between said clamping face and flange. Formed within the casing sect-i'on'is a chamber I33 which communicates with the passage 40 of the triple valve device I, and of an aperture I34 I3 in the triple valve device. For limiting movement of the usual piston inthe triple valve device I beyond its service position, the abutment 45 shown in Fig. 1 is mounted within the casing section I25 and'projects into the piston chamber I3 of the triple valve device I.

The emergency valve device I26 comprises a casing having a face I31 which is adapted to be secured to a flange I38 of thecasing section I25. A gasket I39 is interposed between the flange I38 and the flange I31 for providing a sealed joint.

Mounted in the casing of the emergency valve l4I,whi-ch has at one I42 connected through a valve chamber I44 open by way of a passage M to a volume chamber I46 that is formed in the emergency valve casing.

Contained in the valve chamber I44 is a service slide valve I48, which is adapted to be operated by the service piston I4I through the medium of a stem I49 having a suitable recess I50 adapted to receive the slide valve. Formed within the service slide valve I48 is a check valve chamber I52 communicating through a passage I53 with the slide valve chamber I44 and connected to a slide valve port I54. A ball check valve I56 is disposed in the chamber I52 for preventing back flow therefrom through the passage I53 to the slide valve chamber I44, and a plug I51 is screwed into the slide valve I48 for closing the upper end of said check valve chamber.

A spring. I59 is provided in a cap nut I60 having screw threaded engagement with the casing of the emergency valve device outer end of the valve chamber I44, which spring is engageable by a collar I6I formed adjacent the end of the valve stem I49 for yieldably resisting movement thereof to a retarded charging position. For resisting undesired movement of the piston I4 I tothe service position by slight fluctuations in brake pipe pressure, there is provided a plunger I62, which is similar to the plunger 18 shown in Fig. 1 and already described, the plunger I62 being aligned with the piston MI and slidably mounted in a cage I63 carried within the casing section I25. A stabilizing spring I64 fitted in the cage I63 is adapted to urge the plunger I62 to the position shown in Fig. 3.

An emergency slide valve I61 and an auxiliary slide valve I68 are mounted in a valve chamber I66 formed in the casing, which chamber communicates by way of a passage I and a pipe I10a with the reservoir I21. The slide valves I61 and I68 are adapted to be operated through the medium of a stemI69 by a movable abutment comprising a small piston head HI and a large piston head I12 formed integral with the piston head I1I. The auxiliary slide valve I68 is fitted within a recess I13 formed in the stem I69 and is adapted for movement relative to the emergency slide valve I61, which is arranged to be operatively engaged by either one of a pair of lugs I14 and I formed on the piston stem.

The piston head I12 is subject to the pressure of fluid in a piston chamber I16 open through an aperture I11 to thechamber I33 inthe casing section I25 and thus to the brake pipe. The small piston head I1I is of hollow form and is sli-dably mounted in a countersunk bore provided in the emergency valve casing adjacent the piston chamber I16, the chamber I19 formed between the piston heads HI and I12 being connected to the atmosphere by Way of a port I80.

In operation, fluid under pressure is supplied to the brake pipe and thence by way of the passage 40 to the chamber I33 in the well known manner. Fluid under pressure flows from the chamber I33 through the aperture I34 to the triple valve piston chamber I3 and moves the parts of the triple valve device I to release position in the manner already described.

Fluid under pressure thus supplied, to the chamber I33 also flows through the aperture I11 to the piston chamber emergency piston head I12 into engagement with a shoulder I18 formed adjacent the chamber I19, the stem I69 and slide valves I68 and I61 being thereby maintained in the, release position as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. At the same time fluid; under pressure is supplied from the chamber I33 throughthe aperture I43 to the piston chamber I42 and moves the service piston I4I, stem I49 and service slide valve I48 to the left, thereby causing the piston I4I to uncover a feed groove I82 through which fluid under pressure then flows to the valve chamber I44 and volume chamber I46 connected thereto.

On cars near the head end of the train, the relatively fast rate of increase in fluid pressure in the brake pipe and consequently in the piston chamber I42 causes the piston I4I to move into the retarded charging position wherein said piston engages a stop I83 formed on the casing, the collar I6I on the stem I49 being thereby moved I26 for closing the I16 and acts to urge. the

to compress the spring I59 while the service slide valve I48 is so positioned that the port I54 therein is in partial registration with the passage I 10. With the service slide valve in this position, fluid under pressure is supplied at a restricted rate from the valve chamber I44 through the passage I53 in the slide valve, past the ball check valve I56, through the port I54, and passage I10 to the emergency valve chamber I66, and by way of the pipe I10a to the emergency reservoir I21. The charging of the emergency reservoirs on the forward cars will thus be eifected at a relatively slow rate so as to permit the uniform charging of the reservoirs on cars at the rear of the train, where the increase in brake pipe pressure is otherwise apt to be unduly delayed.

If the build-up in brake pipe pressure is at a moderate rate, as is the case at cars located near the rear of the train, the fluid pressure in the piston chamber I42 of the emergency valve device I26 moves the service piston MI and slide valve I48 to the release position as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. With the service slide valve in the release position, the port I54 is in full registration with the passage I10, so as to permit charging of the emergency reservoir I21 at the maximum rate.

In either the retarded recharging position or release position of the service slide valve I48, the bulb I28 is connected by Way of a pipe and passage I85, a cavity I86 in said slide valve, and an exhaust port I81 to the atmosphere, while the quick service chamber I29 is similarly connected to the atmosphere by way of a pipe and passage I88, a cavity I89 in the service slide valve and an atmospheric exhaust port I90.

If fluid under pressure is vented at a service rate from the brake pipe and the connected chambers I33, I3, I42 and I16 in order to eifect a service application of the brakes, the triple valve device I is operated in the usual manner to supply fluid under pressure to the brake cylinder, while the reduction in the pressure of fluid in the piston chamber I42 in the emergency valve device I26 permits the fluid under pressure in the valve chamber I44, augmented by that in the connected volume chamber I46, to move the service piston I4I to the right.

In so moving the service piston first closes the feed groove I82 and operates the service slide valve I48 through the medium of the stem I49 so as to cut off communication between the port I 54 and passage I10. Continued movement of the service piston I 4| brings the pistonv into engagement with the plunger I62 which is then moved against the force of the stabilizing spring I64 to permit the piston to move the service slide valve I 48 into the service position. This movement of the service slide valve I48 causes the cavity I89 to connect the passage I88 with a passage I92 communicating with the chamber I33, whereupon fluid under pressure is vented from the brake pipe by Way of the passage 40, chamber I33, passage I92, cavity I89, and passage and pipe I88 to the quick service chamber I29, there by eifecting a local quick service reduction in brake pipe pressure for propagating the service reduction.

In addition, with the service slide valve I48 in service position, the pressure of fluid in the connected valve chamber I44 and volume chamber I46 is reduced by flow of fluid from the valve chamber through a port I93 in the service slide valve, and passage and pipe I85 to the bulb I28,

so as to render the service piston I4I readily operable to release position upon a subsequent increase in brake pipe pressure in effecting the release of the brakes.

While the service piston and slide valve are operated in the manner just described upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at a service rate, the reduction in the fluid pressure eflected in the emergency piston chamber I16 is not sufficient to permit the pressure of fluid in the emergency Valve chamber I 66 acting on the small piston head IN to overcome the reduced fluid pressure acting on the large piston head I12, so that the auxiliary and emergency slide valves I68 and I61 are maintained in their release position.

It will thus be apparent that so long as the pressure of fluid in the brake pipe is not reduced below a predetermined value, the emergency valve device I26, as well as the triple valve device I, will not be operative to effect an emergency application of the brakes, so that any tendency of the brake controlling valve devices to effect an undesired emergency application of the brakes is avoided.

To effect the release of the brakes following a service application, fluid under pressure is again supplied to the brake pipe and through the passage 40 and chamber I33 to the piston chamber I3 in the triple valve device I and the piston chamber I 42 in the emergency valve device I26. The triple valve device I is thereby operated in the manner described to release fluid under pressure from the usual brake cylinder, while the emergency piston I4! and slide valve I48 are moved to either the retarded charging position or Y the release position illustrated in Fig, 3, depending upon the location of the emergency valve device in the train as hereinbefore explained. It will be understood that the service piston MI is quickly responsive to the increase in fluid pressure effected in the piston chamber I42 as above stated, because of the previously reduced fluid pressure acting in the valve chamber I 44.

If fluid under pressure is vented from the brake pipe at an emergency rate for effecting an emergency application of the brakes, the consequent reduction in fluid pressure at the same rate in the chamber I33 and in the piston chamber I3 of the triple valve device I and service piston chamber I 42 in the emergency valve device I 26 efiects operation of the triple valve device and of the service piston I4I and service slide valve I48 in the manner already explained in the foregoing description of the operation of said devices to effect a service brake application.

As a result of the heavy reduction in brake pipe pressure thus effected, the pressure of fluid in the emergency piston chamber I16 in the emergency valve device I26 falls below the predetermined pressure required to maintain the emergency piston head I12 in the release position, and the opposing fluid pressure acting on the small pistonhead I1I in the valve chamber I66 is then enabled to move the emergency piston and stem I69 to the right. In so moving the stem I 69 first shifts the auxiliary slide valve I68 relative to slide valve to register with said emergency slide valve.

Continued movement of the stem I69 at the same time brings the lug I14 thereon into engagement with the emergency slide valve I 61, which is thereafter moved with the auxiliary slide valve I68 toward emergency position. As the slide valves I61 and I68 thus approach the emergency position, the port I95 is caused to register with an atmospheric exhaust port I91 and I96 is then brought into registration with a passage I98 communicating with the chamber I33.

While the above communications are maintained as just described, fluid under pressure is locally vented from the brake pipe through the chamber I33, passage I98, port I96, cavity I94, port I95 and the atmospheric exhaust port'I91,

thereby effecting a local reduction in brake pipe pressure for augmenting the reduction already made so as to ensure rapid serial quick action operation of all the brake controlling valve devices throughout the train.

The fluid pressure acting on the piston head I1l finally moves the piston head I12 into engagement with the gasket I39, the slide valves being then positioned in full emergency position, in which the atmospheric exhaust port I91 is lapped so that further venting of fluid under pressure from the brake pipe is prevented. This final movement of the emergency slide valve I61 also establishes communication between the valve chamber IE6 and a brake cylinder passage I99, which is connected through a pipe 299 to either an emergency brake cylinder such as that shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings or to the usual brake cylinder in the manner disclosed in Fig. 2.

With the emergency slide valve I61 in full emergency position, fluid under pressure is supplied from the emergency reservoir I21 by way of the pipe IHla, passage I19, which is, of course, now lapped at its upper end by the service slide valve I49, and thence through the valve chamber I69, passage I99 and pipe 299 to the brake cylinder, thereby effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

"Io effect a release of the brakes after an emergency application, fluid under pressure is again supplied to the brake pipe, the elements of the triple valve device 5 and the service piston MI in the emergency valve device I26 being then returned to the release position as hereinbefore described. Similarly, the increase in fluid pressure in the emergency piston chamber I16 resulting from the increase in brake pipe pressure causes the piston head I12 to move the stem I69 to the left, thereby shifting the auxiliaryslide valve I68 relative to the emergency slide valve 5'31 to out off communication between the cavity I94 and port I99. The lug I15 on the stem I69 then engages the main slide valve I61, and as the piston head I12 continues movement toward the left-hand, the stem then shifts both the emergency and auxiliary slide valves tothe release position as shown in Fig. 3, in which position the brake cylinder passage I99 is lapped. Further'movernent is prevented upon engagement of the piston head I12 with the shoulder I18.

t will be apparent from the foregoing description that my invention may be applied to existing brake equipment without alteration of the usual triple valve device, so as to provide means for effecting the service application of the brakes quickly and uniformly throughout the train to prevent harsh slack action, and that the invention further provides improved means operative only upon a predetermined degree of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect an emergency application of the brakes, the emergency function being available after, as well as prior to, the making of a service application.

While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is not myintention to limit its scope to these embodi- "claim as new and desire ments orotherwwi se than by the terms of the appended claims.

Having'now described my invention, what I tosecure by Letters Patent, is: 1; In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application. of the brakes and provided with means for effecting a local reduction in brake pipe pressure upon movement of the valve device to effect a service application of the brakes, and an emergency valve device comprising fluid pressure responsive means,

operative upona service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to vent fluid under pressure locally from the brake pipe and operative upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure for effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

2. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination,a brake pipe, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to eifect a service application of the brakes, and an emergency valve device comprising a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a cham- "ber, valve means operative by said abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at a service rate forlocally venting fluid under pressure from the brake pipe and upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure for effecting an emergency application of the brakes, and means for equalizing the fluid pressure in said chamber with that in a vent chamber when said valve means is in service position, whereby further movement of said valve means may be checked and subsequent release operation thereof facilitated.

3. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake controlling valve device comprising fluid pressure responsive means subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and the fluid in a chamber, said fluid pressure responsive means being movable to one position.

upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at a" gradual rate and to emergency application position upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at an emergency rate for effecting an emergency application of the brakes and to a release position,

upon an increase in brake pipe pressure for effecting the release of the brakes, and means for establishing communication from said chamber to a vent chamber when said fluid pressure responsive means is moved to said first mentioned position, said chamber is reduced on the one hand for facilitating movement of said fluid pressure responsive means to release position, while on the other hand remaining sufficient to move said fluid pressure responsive means to emergency position upon a further reduction in brake pipe pressure at an emergency rate.

4. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake p-ipe, means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, a brake cylinder, an emergency reservoir, and an emergency valve device comp-rising valve means subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a chamber and movable to a service position upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at a whereby the pressure of the fluid in' service rate for venting fluid under pressure from Ili said reservoir to said brake cylinder, and means for equalizing the fluid pressure in said chamber with that in a vent chamber upon movement of said valve means to service position and also upon movement of said valve means to emergency position, whereby sufficient fluid pressure is retained in said chamber to prevent movement of said valve means to release position prior to a predetermined increase in brake pipe pressure.

5. In a fluid pressure brake, the combination with a brake pipe and means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, of a movable abutment subject tothe opposing pressures of the brake pipe and a valve chamber, and valve means operative by said abutment upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure for venting fluid from said valve chamber to a vent chamber and from the brake pipe to a quick service chamber, and upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure for venting flui-d from said valve chamber to said vent chamber while effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

6. In a fluid pressure brake, the combination with a brake pipe and means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to efiect a service application of the brakes, of an emergency valve device comprisinga movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a valve chamber, valve means operative by said abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at either a service or emergency rate to vent fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to .a quick service chamber and to vent fluid under pressure from said valve chamber to a vent chamber, a second movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and in a chamber, and valve means operative by the last name-d abutment upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to a predetermined value to vent fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to the atmosphere and to effect an emergency application of the brakes.

7. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, a brake cylinder, an emergency reservoir, and an emergency valve device comprising a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a valve chamber, valve means having a release position for supplying fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to the reservoir and movable by said abutment upon a service or emergency rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to a service position for venting fluid from the brake pipe to a quick service chamber and from said valve chamber to a vent chamber, a second movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and said reservoir, and valve means operative by the last named abutment upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure below a predetermined value to vent fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to atmosphere and to supply fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the brake cylinder for effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

8. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, an emergency reservoir, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, and an emergency valve device comprising a casing having a chamber adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure from the brake pipe, a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and in said chamber, and valve means having a release position for supplying fluid under pressure from said chamber to said reservoir and operable by said abutment to a service position in which fluid under pressure is vented from said chamber, and to emergency position for cutting off communication between the chamber and reservoir while supplying fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the brake cylinder, said valve means including a slide valve having a port through which fluid under pressure is supplied from the chamber to the reservoir for charging said reservoir when said valve means is in release position, and a ball check valve in said port for preventing back flow of fluid under pressure to said chamber.

9. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, an auxiliary reservoir, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure from said auxiliary reservoir to said brake cylinder in effecting a service application of the brakes, an emergency reservoir, and an emergency valve device comprising a movable abutment having differential areas, the larger area being subject to brake pipe pressure and the smaller area being subject to the pressure of fluid in the emergency reservoir, and valve means operative by said movable abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure below a predetermined value to supply fluid under pressure from said emergency reservoir to said brake cylinder.

10. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, an auxiliary reservoir, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure from said auxiliary reservoir to said brake cylinder in effecting a service application of the brakes, an emergency reservoir and an emergency valve device comprising service valve means adapted to control the supply of fluid under pressure from said brake pipe to said emergency reservoir, a movable abutment having differential areas, the larger area being subject to brake pipe pressure and the smaller area being subject to the pressure of fluid in the emergency reservoir, and valve means operative by said movable abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure below a predetermined value to supply fluid under pressure from said emergency reservoir to said brake cylinder.

11. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, an auxiliary reservoir, a brake cylinder, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure from said auxiliary reservoir to said brake cylinder for effecting a service application of the brakes and operative upon an increase in brake pipe pressure to effect the release of fluid under pressure from said brake cylinder, an emergency reservoir, and an emergency valve device operative upon a service reduction in brake pipe pressure to vent fluid under pressure from said brake pipe to a quick service chamber and upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure below a predetermined value to supply fluid under pressure from said emergency reservoir to said brake cylinder.

12. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a reservoir, and a brake controlling valve device comprising a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and in a chamber and valve means movable by said abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure to a brake application position for establishing a communication through which fluid under pressure is supplied from said reservoir to the brake cylinder, and means for equalizing the fluid pressure in said chamber with that in a vent chamber upon movement of said valve device to the application position, whereby suflicient pressure is retained in said chamber to prevent movement of said valve device to release position unless the brake pipe pressure is increased to a predetermined degree.

13. In a fluid pressure brake, the combination with a brake pipe and means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, of a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of the brake pipe and a valve chamber, and valve means operative by sa'd abutment upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure for venting fluid from said valve chamber and from the brake pipe, and upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure for venting fluid from said valve chamber while effecting an emergency application of the brakes.

14. In a fluid pressure brake, the combination with a brake pipe and means operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to effect a service application of the brakes, of an emergency valve device comprising a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a valve chamber, valve means operative by said abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure at either a service or emergency rate to vent fluid under pressure from the brake pipe and from said valve chamber, a second movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and in a chamber, and valve means operative by the last named abutment upon an emergency reduction in brake pipe pressure to vent fluid under pressure from the brake pipe to the atmosphere and to effect an emergency application of the brakes. 1

15. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, an auxiliary reservoir, a brake controlling valve device operative upon a service rate of reduction in brake pipe pressure to supply fluid under pressure from said auxiliary reservoir to said brake cylinder in effecting a service application of the brakes, an emergency reservoir, and an emergency valve device comprising a movable abutment having differential areas, the larger area being subject to brake pipe pressure and the smaller area being subject to the pressure of fluid in the emergency reservoir, and valve means operative by said movable abutment upon a reduction in brake pipe pressure below a predetermined value to supply fluid under pressure from said emergency reservoir to said brake cylinder and to vent fluid under pressure from said brake pipe to the atmosphere.

16. In a fluid pressure brake, in combination, a brake pipe, a brake cylinder, a reservoir, and. a brake controlling valve device comprising a movable abutment subject to the opposing pressures of fluid in the brake pipe and a valve chamber adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure from said brake pipe, and valve means operative by said abutment from a release position to a service position in which fluid under pressure is vented from said chamber and to an application position in which fluid under pressure is supplied from the reservoir to the brake cylinder, said valve means including a slide valve having a passage and positioned in the release position of said valve'means so that fluid under pressure is supplied from said chamber through the passage to said' reservoir, and means for preventing back flow of fluid under pressure from said reservoir through said passage to said chamber.

FREMONT P. LIVINGSTON. 

